Columbus vs Evansville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Columbus, IN and Evansville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Evansville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,285 | $88,620▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.48 | $42.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,185 | $63,424▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,197 | $81,923▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,862 | $104,593▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,028 | $121,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Evansville is $2,335 (2.71%). Evansville's median is -12.93% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $54,843,Evansville spans $58,036. Evansville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Evansville ($96,823 effective) pays 2.45% more than Columbus ($94,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,620/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,460)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,823)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Columbus grew 7.9% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Evansville over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$76,900 (2023) → $82,974 (2025)
Evansville, IN
$71,290 (2019) → $85,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Evansville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Columbus or Evansville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Evansville?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Evansville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Columbus vs Evansville?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov